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Itinerary for Oct 14 — Oct 28, 2015

Description: Eka Hotel is ideally located along Mombasa Road in Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. It is situated minutes away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 5km from Wilson Airport and 5km from the bustling central business district.
The hotel is situated with convenient access to all the city's tourist attractions such as Nairobi National Park,
Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Bomas of Kenya, and The Giraffe Centre.
In addition, there is easy access to all key Government offices, corporates, diplomatic missions and industries. It also has easy reach to the city's main attractions, eateries and entertainment venues.

Description: Kilima Safari Camp is a new property spread out on a vast conservation area of 360 acres next to the Kimana gate of Amboseli National Park. The tents have been fitted to offer a premium safari experience and have open views of the camp’s private wildlife water hole and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Three: Friday, October 16 - Amboseli National Park / The East African Elephan...

Note: The drive from Nairobi to Amboseli will take at least 4 hours and part of the road is unpaved. 2-3 hour game drives at sunrise and in the late afternoon. There are no toilet facilities outside of the lodge

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart this morning by Safari Van for the Amboseli National Park.

Lunch: Enjoy a lunch at the lodge in the Amboseli.

Afternoon: Meet your Study Leader for an orientation to game viewing and the wildlife of East Africa. Then put your new knowledge to work as you set out on your first game drive in the park. Before dinner, meet with an expert from the Amboseli Elephant Trust to learn about the majestic East African Elephant.

Dinner: Be welcomed to the Amboseli National Park with a dinner at the lodge.

Description: Kilima Safari Camp is a new property spread out on a vast conservation area of 360 acres next to the Kimana gate of Amboseli National Park. The tents have been fitted to offer a premium safari experience and have open views of the camp’s private wildlife water hole and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Note: At the Maasai village school, any donations you choose to bring should be given to the school master, and not directly to the children. The school will distribute the supplies as they are most needed.

Breakfast: In the lodge.

Morning: Set out on an early morning game drive before breakfast today. As the sun rises, head out to continue the search through the varied wildlife habitats of the park.

Morning: After a brief rest and before lunch join your Study Leader for a presentation: "Understanding the Tribes of Kenya and Tanzania" with a focus on the culture and customs of the Maasai.

Lunch: Lunch in the lodge.

Afternoon: After lunch, head back out in search of big game in Amboseli National Park.

Description: Perched on the very edge, the Ngorongoro Wildlife lodge sits 2,000 feet above the floor of the crater, 7,500 feet above sea level. Large windows, panoramic viewing platforms and terraces provide opportunities to take in the sweeping vistas from almost anywhere within the rustic stone-and-wood structure. Originally built in the late 1960’s, the lodge is one of four built by the Tanzanian Government shortly after independence. As the first lodges built in the national parks, each benefits from being situated in the prime game-viewing locations for that area. The lodges were sold to a private company in 2003 and a multi-million-dollar renovation and upgrade on both common areas and guest rooms is complete.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Five: Sunday, October 18 - Crossing the Great Rift Valley to Ngorongoro Crat...

Note: The drive from the the lodge in Amboseli to the border will take at least 3 hours and part of the road is unpaved and can be rough at some times of year. The drive from the border to Arusha will take 3 hours and is paved. Finally the drive from Arusha to the Lodge in Ngorongo will take about 3.5 hours and is also paved most of the way. While long, this day offers some excellent scenic driving and a unique look into rural East Africa.

Breakfast: In the lodge.

Morning: This morning we leave early, enjoying a scenic game drive through the western part of Amboseli to the Tanzanian border. Late in the morning we stop at the border for formalities and to change vehicles. We continue our drive from the border to the city of Arusha for lunch. the drive offers an excellent look into rural life in Kenya and Tanzania.

Lunch: In Arusha at a local hotel.

Afternoon: Cross the Great Rift Valley and continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where agriculture, wildlife conservation and tourism co-exist in one of Africa’s first experiments of multiple-land use. Upon arriving at the park gates learn more about the larger conservation area from your Study Leader. Prior to dinner take the time to enjoy the view of the crater floor from your rooms or from the terrace. The crater rim is a perfect viewpoint to observe the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Description: Perched on the very edge, the Ngorongoro Wildlife lodge sits 2,000 feet above the floor of the crater, 7,500 feet above sea level. Large windows, panoramic viewing platforms and terraces provide opportunities to take in the sweeping vistas from almost anywhere within the rustic stone-and-wood structure. Originally built in the late 1960’s, the lodge is one of four built by the Tanzanian Government shortly after independence. As the first lodges built in the national parks, each benefits from being situated in the prime game-viewing locations for that area. The lodges were sold to a private company in 2003 and a multi-million-dollar renovation and upgrade on both common areas and guest rooms is complete.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Six: Monday, October 19 - The Wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater

Breakfast: In the lodge.

Morning: Descend the slope into the Ngorongoro Crater in 4-wheel-drive vehicles to spend the morning observing wildlife on the floor of the crater. The 102 square miles of the Ngorongoro Crater are home to 25,000 mammals, many of which are resident due to the geographically enclosed nature of the crater. The crater is also home to the last population of black rhino in northern Tanzania.

Lunch: Stop for an adventurous picnic lunch in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Afternoon: Continue your time in the unique Ngorongoro crater on an afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge. Watch the unmissable Ngorongoro Crater sunset. The sun makes a dramatic exit as it sinks below the crater rim. Later enjoy an early evening Presentation: "The Crater Ecosystem and Conservation."

Description: Seronera is the heart of Serengeti National park, directly on the migration route and near an important water source, the Seronera river. The hotel is constructed around the rocky outcroppings of the plains, called ‘kopjes’.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Seven: Tuesday, October 20 - Early Human History at Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Gor...

Early Human History at Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Gorge) / The Vast Plains of the Serengeti

Note: The drive from Ngorongoro Crater Lodge to Oldupai Gorge is 2 hours. Some of the roads are unpaved. The drive from Oldupai Gorge to the Lodge varies according to how much game is seen en route.

Breakfast: In the lodge.

Morning: Depart early leaving the Crater Rim and make your way to the Serengeti. En route, visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum and learn about the Leakey’s research and discovery of the earliest known species of humanoids.

Lunch: A box lunch is provided to eat at the Serengeti Visitor center picnic area. The area also has a nice walking path up rocky outcrops known as ‘kopjes’ for those looking to stretch their legs.

Afternoon: As you continue driving to the lodge enjoy a game drive though the plains of the Serengeti. Certain times of the year, this area can get very crowded with Zebras, Wildebeest and Gazelles often with young newborns, be on the lookout for wildlife, as this unfenced land is all part of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Dinner: In the lodge

Evening: Late evening Presentation: Stargazing – A Unique Night Under the African Sky led by your Study Leader. the lodge has an ideal view terrace high above the Serengeti that allows you to see a great sky (weather permitting).

Description: Seronera is the heart of Serengeti National park, directly on the migration route and near an important water source, the Seronera river. The hotel is constructed around the rocky outcroppings of the plains, called ‘kopjes’.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eight: Wednesday, October 21 - Into the Heart of the Serengeti

Breakfast: In the lodge after the morning game drive.

Morning: Get out early to search for game and perhaps a fresh kill just as the sun rises over the Serengeti. Look for fresh tracks and see the Park come to life.

Lunch: Lunch in the lodge.

Afternoon: In the Afternoon before going back out on safari, stop at the Serengeti Visitor Center to experience an illustrated presentation about the "Circle of Life". After the presentation, return to the plains to follow the watering holes along the Seronera creek in search of antelope, and other creatures gathering to re-hydrate.

Description: Speke Bay Lodge is located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, East Africa. It is 15 kilometers from the Serengeti National Park, and 125 kilometers north of Mwanza. Speke Bay is part of Speke Gulf, named after the famous explorer John Hanning Speke, who, in 1858, discovered Lake Victoria to be the source of the Nile. Embraced by savanna, the Lodge looks like a small village, stretched out along the shores of the lake. The main buildings and luxury accommodation are round in form, built to perfection, painted white and thatched with a grass roof in the traditional style of the local tribe, the Sukuma. Since the Lodge is outside but close to the Serengeti National Park, it is the ideal place to start or end your safari, or relax during your travels.

Room amenities: All eight bungalows are situated along the shore of the lake. Each bungalow is a separate structure designed to ensure your privacy. The roofs are thatched with a thick layer of grass, providing excellent insulation. The custom-made furniture in solid Mkola wood adds to the warm and elegant atmosphere. An entrance hall gives access to a bathroom and a spacious main room. This room has a sleeping area with a large lockable cupboard (for your clothes and valuables) and a writing table. The sitting area has a huge French window opening on to a bougainvillaea-shaded veranda where your breakfast can be served. Each bungalow has a loft with two twin beds, making them suitable for families with children. The bathroom has a large table with a build-in basin, a spacious shower with hot water and a hygienic wall mounted toilet. All the appliances and fittings are the best on the market. The water system is state of the art, with a large sand filter, UV-treatment, and Ozone-injection. Bottled drinking water is available.

Facility amenities: Three separate round buildings are joined by a large terrace, which overlooks Lake Victoria. There is a well-stocked bar with a good choice of South African wines. The restaurant offers a blend of international and Tanzanian cuisine; and is specialised in fresh fish from the lake and uses vegetables and fruits from the local fields. Your breakfast or lunch can be served on the terrace of your bungalow at any time you wish, or a table will be set for you on the terrace of the restaurant or in the garden.
Gift Shop
A small, exclusive gift-shop focuses on regional art and handicraft. We buy straight from the artisans. This helps the local economy directly and they are encouraged to find more efficient, and quality-conscious ways to make their products.ent, and quality-conscious ways to make their products. We also sell articles from local women groups, like the Vema Women (Vema is a Swahili word for well being) organised by the Maryknoll Sisters, and the Tupen-dane Centre.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Nine: Thursday, October 22 - On the shores of Lake Victoria.

Breakfast: In the lodge.

Morning: In the early morning depart the lodge to enjoy a scenic Drive through the Western Corridor to the shores of Lake Victoria. As we drive west watch for the abundant resident wildlife stopping along the way to observe new sightings.

Lunch: Stop in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti for a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Continue your drive through the abundantly rich Western Corridor of the Serengeti. Keep a lookout for animals as you finish the drive to Lake Victoria. Arrive at your lodge on the shores of Lake Victoria. Enjoy a nature excursion on this beautiful lake led by an expert guide. During sunset, both sky and lake explode with light.

Description: Fig Tree camp is situated on the northern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve on the Talek River.The Camp is situated on the northern border of the game reserve and its central location makes all areas of the park accessible during game drives.

Room amenities: Standard safari tents are on permanent foundations with verandah, overlooking the Talek River and are equipped with two beds, mosquito netting and private bathroom with shower. Hot water bottles are provided each night and wake-up coffee or tea is delivered each morning.

Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; nightly turn-down service and small swimming pool. Power is supplied by generator from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Ten: Friday, October 23 - From the Shores of Lake Victoria and into the Maa...

Breakfast: In the lodge.

Morning: After breakfast continue north to Kenya. As you exit the Serengeti, you will notice completely different local architecture. After crossing the border, continue to Migori where a charter flight awaits to bring you to the Maasai Mara. When you arrive in the Maasai Mara, the trip to the lodge is a morning game drive. Search for the creatures of the Mara before arriving at your lodge.

Lunch: Lunch at the lodge in the Maasai Mara.

Afternoon: In the afternoon set out on a game drive from your lodge/camp keeping a watch for many resident lion prides or the fastest of all cheetah.

Description: Fig Tree camp is situated on the northern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve on the Talek River.The Camp is situated on the northern border of the game reserve and its central location makes all areas of the park accessible during game drives.

Room amenities: Standard safari tents are on permanent foundations with verandah, overlooking the Talek River and are equipped with two beds, mosquito netting and private bathroom with shower. Hot water bottles are provided each night and wake-up coffee or tea is delivered each morning.

Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; nightly turn-down service and small swimming pool. Power is supplied by generator from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eleven: Saturday, October 24 - Tracking the Big Five in the Masai Mara

Breakfast: In the camp after the morning game drive.

Morning: As the light brightens over the Mara, head toward the river to observe hippo, crocodile and birdlife. Depending on the migration, you may see wildebeest attempting the dangerous crossing. Later in the morning before lunch join a local Masai Moran on a nature walk through the edges of the Maasai Mara Park. Learn about local plant life and maybe observe some insects and lizards.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the lodge.

Afternoon: In the afternoon set out in search of the most endangered and illusive black rhinoceros whose population has been decimated by poachers until regular patrols and successful arrests rendered the area safer and the population now stands at 8 individuals and sometimes 10 rhinos in the Mara Triangle could be found.

Description: Fig Tree camp is situated on the northern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve on the Talek River.The Camp is situated on the northern border of the game reserve and its central location makes all areas of the park accessible during game drives.

Room amenities: Standard safari tents are on permanent foundations with verandah, overlooking the Talek River and are equipped with two beds, mosquito netting and private bathroom with shower. Hot water bottles are provided each night and wake-up coffee or tea is delivered each morning.

Facility amenities: Restaurant and bar; nightly turn-down service and small swimming pool. Power is supplied by generator from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Twelve: Sunday, October 25 - Tracking the Big Five in the Maasai Mara.

Breakfast: In the camp after the morning game drive.

Morning: At dawn, embark on a drive toward the river to observe hippo, crocodile and birdlife. Depending on the migration, you may see wildebeest attempting the dangerous crossing.

Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon: In the afternoon set out on your final game drive. Enjoy the sounds and sights as you say farewell to the Maasai Mara. Later join your Study Leader for a final wrap-up session and presentation.

Description: Eka Hotel is ideally located along Mombasa Road in Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. It is situated minutes away from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 5km from Wilson Airport and 5km from the bustling central business district.
The hotel is situated with convenient access to all the city's tourist attractions such as Nairobi National Park,
Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Bomas of Kenya, and The Giraffe Centre.
In addition, there is easy access to all key Government offices, corporates, diplomatic missions and industries. It also has easy reach to the city's main attractions, eateries and entertainment venues.

Morning: Depart for the elephant orphanage and learn about the conservation efforts here, you will also have the chance to feed the elephants During a special presentation, learn about the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya efforts to increase the numbers of endangered Rothschild Giraffe at the Giraffe Center, where you will have the rare treat of hand-feeding these gentle giants and face them eye-to-eye from an elevated viewing platform.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to rest and pack prior to your flight. You have the use of your day room until 6 PM. We will be leaving for the airport shortly after this time.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!